Compromised skin grafts ＆ flaps

Surgeons use skin grafts and flaps to repair serious damage, and to close or cover wounds. In tissue compromised by irradiation or in cases where there is decreased blood or oxygen flow, Hyperbaric therapy can help to salvage as much of the graft as possible.

Based at Providence Portland Medical Center, the unit is Oregon's only 24-hour hospital-based hyperbaric service.

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, pressurized chambers with a 100 percent oxygen environment counter the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, and decompression illness in scuba divers, as well as promote tissue healing in patients with impaired circulation due to diabetes, trauma and radiation therapy.